Muslims in India – Fishermen Return at Dawn

Islam is the second-most practiced religion in the Republic of India after Hinduism, with 13.4% of the country’s population (over 160 million as per 2001 census).

Islam came to India with the Arab merchants and traders on the Malabar Coast in the 7th century. Islam arrived in north India in the 12th century and has since become a part of India’s religious and cultural heritage. Over the years, there has been significant integration of Hindu and Muslim cultures across Indiaand the Muslims have played a prominent role in India’s economic rise and cultural influence.

At the moment, I’m staying in an area of small coastal communities of Muslim fishermen in the state of Karnataka south of Goa.

These men are returning after early morning fishing in their small wooden boats.

Comment by Jim O'Donnell

Christians have been in India since just a few years after Jesus died…and there is alot of speculation that Jesus spent a chunk of his youth in India. I think it was Thomas that went to India around 50AD or so, having a significant impact. Christianity is the third largest religion in India.Muslims, Christians and Hindus all seem to have gone through big periods of peace and small periods of violence over 2000 years and sadly, discrimination remains.